Susan Bliss and her mother, Cornelia, worked at Lake Hall plantation for Walter Davies, Sr. Oral histories from Walter Davies' (white) relations includ legend that Walter offered to build Cornelia Bliss a house in Greenville if she allowed youn Susan Bliss to remain in his employment. He evidently cared for Susan Bliss and later fathered several children by her; however bi-racial marriages were not legal nor was common law marriage. Whenever white family visited the farm, she and children were sent to spend the nights in one of the cabins on the property rather than stay in the main house with the rest.
When Walter died, he bequeathed a bit of money to her and his illegitimate children. She was then sued by white family members of the family (some of whom were notable attorneys) and after fighting for her share of assets, ultimately prevailed in court because Walter Davies had characterized the bequest to her as "back payment" for " 45 years of service."
When Walter died, he bequeathed a bit of money to her and his illegitimate children. She was then sued by white family members of the family (some of whom were notable attorneys) and after fighting for her share of assets, ultimately prevailed in court because Walter Davies had characterized the bequest to her as "back payment" for " 45 years of service."
Susan Bliss and her mother, Cornelia, worked at Lake Hall plantation for Walter Davies, Sr. Oral histories from Walter Davies' (white) relations includ legend that Walter offered to build Cornelia Bliss a house in Greenville if she allowed youn Susan Bliss to remain in his employment. He evidently cared for Susan Bliss and later fathered several children by her; however bi-racial marriages were not legal nor was common law marriage. Whenever white family visited the farm, she and children were sent to spend the nights in one of the cabins on the property rather than stay in the main house with the rest.
When Walter died, he bequeathed a bit of money to her and his illegitimate children. She was then sued by white family members of the family (some of whom were notable attorneys) and after fighting for her share of assets, ultimately prevailed in court because Walter Davies had characterized the bequest to her as "back payment" for " 45 years of service."
When Walter died, he bequeathed a bit of money to her and his illegitimate children. She was then sued by white family members of the family (some of whom were notable attorneys) and after fighting for her share of assets, ultimately prevailed in court because Walter Davies had characterized the bequest to her as "back payment" for " 45 years of service."
Inscription
Born in Arkansas
Gravesite Details
Double marker with Cludea Davies
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